"Die Zauberflöte" or "The Magic Flute" is an opera that was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791. It is a German opera that falls under the genre of Singspiel, which means it incorporates both singing and spoken dialogue. The libretto of the opera was written by Emanuel Schikaneder, who was also the impresario of the theater where it premiered. The plot of "The Magic Flute" revolves around the character of Prince Tamino, who is sent on a mission by the Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter, Pamina, from the evil Sarastro. Along the way, Tamino is joined by the bird catcher Papageno, who provides comedic relief throughout the opera. Tamino and Papageno's journey is filled with trials and obstacles, including a series of tests set by Sarastro.
Tamino and Papageno's journey is filled with trials and obstacles, including a series of tests set by Sarastro. One of the most recognizable aspects of "The Magic Flute" is its music. Mozart's score is diverse and captivating, featuring a range of musical styles, including arias, ensembles, and choral numbers.
Mozart’s The Magic Flute: A Masonic Opera
Mozart’s The Magic Flute is universally recognized as being a masterpiece among masterpieces. This opera is an allegorical tale, not a fairy tale, and uses symbols to express truths about the human spirit. The overarching theme is: Harmony in human society can only be realized by the perfect union of man and woman, characterized by an equality that is achieved through pure love, strength of character, and the rituals of Freemasonry.
Mozart, like many of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a Freemason. In the late 18 th century, Freemasonry was considered a radical movement, aligned with the free thinkers of the Enlightenment. It was a threat to the aristocracy and established religion and, as such, was suppressed by the nobility and Vatican.
The opera is set in two polar opposite kingdoms: The Kingdom of Night – symbolized by the moon and the color silver, and ruled by the Queen of the Night. The Queen represents the Austrian empress Maria Theresa who oppressed Masonic Lodges. The Kingdom of the Temple of the Wisdom is symbolized by the sun and the color gold, and is led by the High Priest Sarastro who represents Ignaz von Born, leader of the Vienna Masonic Lodge of which Mozart was a member. These two kingdoms will only be reconciled by the union of opposing kingdom prince and princess Tamino and Pamina, respectively, and the victory of the sun (enlightenment) over the moon (the established order).
When we first meet Tamino he is running in fear from a serpent that represents his irrational ignorance of the Masonic Order. He is then lied to by the Queen to the Night and sent off to rescue her daughter Pamina from Sarastro. The rest of the opera is occupied by Tamino and Pamina finding pure love and enduring the Masonic trials of self-discipline through silence. They are ultimately purified by the basic elements of fire and water. Once they have successfully gone through these trials, Sarastro gives them the shield of the sun to be wise and benevolent rulers.
And why a magic flute? A common Masonic theme is that music has the power to transcend human fear and hatred. So, the moral of the story is that through the Masonic Order and guided by the beauty of music, society is enlightened – men and women equally.
The most memorable character in The Magic Flute is Papageno the birdcatcher, who was created to entertain the audience and further obscure the Masonic messaging of the plot. For the opera’s premier performances, the role of Papageno was played by actor Emanuel Schikaneder. Schikaneder was also the librettist for The Magic Flute and the owner of Teatre on Der Wien where the work premiered. Papageno is an Everyman and endures his own set of trials, at which he fails miserably. Yet, the kindly gods provide him a beautiful young wife and our Everyman couple populate the world with many little Papagenos and Papagenas. It’s a bit of a cynical comment that while there are few Taminos and Paminas, there are many Papagenos and Papagenas.
But why not just come out and say all of this? Well, remember that at the time of Mozart, Freemasonry was under a Papal bull of condemnation, and suppressed by the nobility. It was not only unfashionable, but potentially dangerous to be a Freemason. As you enjoy the delightfully brilliant music of Mozart in The Magic Flute, keep in mind the philosophical journey toward enlightenment that is shared by Tamino and Pamina.
Opera Grand Rapids’ production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute is being performed, in English, October 26 th and 27 th at DeVos Performance Hall. The production stars acclaimed artists John Viscardi as the comic Papageno and Jana McIntyre as the star-blazing Queen of the Night, with the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and the Grand Rapids Symphony under the baton of Artistic Director, Maestro James Meena.
Initiation ceremony in a Viennese Masonic Lodge, during reign of Joseph II. The inside of what is thought to be the lodge New Crowned Hope (Zur Neugekrönten Hoffnung) in Vienna. It is believed that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is depicted at the extreme right, sitting next to his close friend Emanuel Schikaneder. Painting by Ignaz Unterberger (1748-1797) Click here to learn more.
Posted in UncategorizedOpera Grand Rapids
the Betty Van Andel Opera Center
1320 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
German libretto by Austrian actor and theatrical producer, Emanuel Schikaneder.
The most famous aria from the opera is the Queen of the Night's aria, "Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen," which is known for its demanding vocal range and virtuosity. "The Magic Flute" explores a variety of themes, including the power of love, the duality of good and evil, the pursuit of wisdom, and the triumph of light over darkness. It also incorporates elements of Freemasonry, a philosophy that Mozart himself was deeply interested in. Over the years, "The Magic Flute" has become one of Mozart's most popular and frequently performed operas. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes, engaging characters, and enchanting music. Today, it is considered a masterpiece of classical music and continues to captivate audiences around the world..
Reviews for "The Magic Flute: An Exquisite Blend of Music and Theatre"
1. Sarah - 1 star
The Magic Flute was a complete disaster. I found the storyline to be convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along with what was happening on stage. The music itself wasn't memorable or engaging, and the singing was mediocre at best. I was extremely disappointed with this performance and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for The Magic Flute, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The set design was lackluster and failed to create an immersive and magical atmosphere that the production promised. The performers also seemed disconnected and unenthusiastic, which made it difficult for me to connect with the characters and their emotions. Overall, this was a forgettable and underwhelming experience.
3. Lisa - 2 stars
I found The Magic Flute to be a pretentious and pretentiously long production. The opera seemed to drag on forever, with unnecessary scenes and dialogue that added nothing to the overall story. Additionally, the costumes and staging felt outdated and uninspired. I couldn't wait for it to be over and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable theater experience.